Jon Rahm's LIV teammate calls for peace in golf world

Jon Rahm's LIV Golf teammate Tom McKibbin says he has 'no regrets' over joining the PIF-backed breakaway. 

McKibbin, 22, made the switch for the 2025 season after signing a two-year deal worth a reported $5m. 

The golfer, mentored by Rory McIlroy, made the leap despite earning his first PGA Tour card. 

McIlroy advised McKibbin against the move, arguing his future was bright anyway and he would be hampering his chances of representing Europe in future Ryder Cups. 

But McKibbin told BBC Sport NI before the Amgen Irish Open he's 'very glad' about his choice. 

"I've enjoyed it a lot and I feel like my game has improved a lot. I've no regrets. 

"I love being there, and being able to play some events over here is really good as well."

McKibbin is not the only LIV Golf recruit in the field. 

Major champions Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed were also invited to tee it up at the K Club, while Tyrell Hatton is getting some reps in before heading to Bethpage Black. 

Plenty has been said about LIV players' motivation. 

Eugenio Chacarra became the first former LIV Golf pro to criticise the league. 

McKibbin admitted he is fortunate to have been paid handsomely. 

"With how golf is now, there is a lot of money around it," he said. 

"To be part of it and be able to benefit from it is good, but I want to let my golf do the talking and that's more important," he said.

"I want to win more. It is life-changing and to be fortunate enough to have that is nice, but hopefully I can get a few more wins.

"I think everyone just wants it to work out and play together," said McKibbin.

An agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund also appears dead in the water.

The initial framework agreement, announce on 6 July 2023, also included the DP World Tour. 

McKibbin said: "We're all hopeful it can happen[a deal], so hopefully this isn't my last one [Irish Open] for a while.

"I've still got membership and status here, and I'd love to play whenever I can. It's good to come back to events like this.

"There's some big tournaments and national Opens to play. I want to try and win those, so there's definitely something important for me still here."

What did Rory McIlroy say to Tom McKibbin?

McIlroy mentored McKibbin whilst he was a junior golfer. 

Before the Dubai Desert Classic in January, McIlroy said McKibbin had 'a ton of potential'. 

"I said to him, if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you're thinking of making," McIlroy said. 

"I think working so hard to get your [PGA] Tour card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement.

"What he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot, depending on how he would play…if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn't make that decision.

"I'm not him. I'm not in his shoes. He's a grown man at this point and can make his own decisions. 

"All I can do is try to give him my perspective. Personally for me it would be a little disappointing if it were to happen.

"I made it perfectly clear: I am not going to stand your way if you need to make the decision you feel like you need to make for yourself. 

"But at the same time, I feel like he's giving up a lot to not really benefit that much."